Completed Construction Guidelines for Commercial Cannabis Facilities

Completed Construction Guidelines for Commercial Cannabis Facilities

This guidance was created to help architects, building contractors, operators, consultants, and other interested professionals draft designs for commercial cannabis facilities that comply with local and state rules and regulations.

These guidelines are intended to provide a broad overview of the criteria and should not be construed as exhaustive.

The rules cover the health and safety elements of construction and should not be understood to include the standards of other authorities (e.g., local planning and zoning departments, building and safety authority or local fire department).

To get any permissions and/or to clarify any local rules, contact the relevant local entities concerned.

Definitions, Plan Submittal, Plan Review and Inspections, General Construction Requirements, Additional Room/Area Requirements, and State Contact Information are all sections of this document. 

SUBMITTING A PLAN

New Facility

Constructing or remodeling any building for use as a commercial cannabis facility.

Existing Facility

Planning to open an existing commercial cannabis facility wherein the equipment has been removed or replaced.

New equipment is installed, or existing equipment is changed.

Changing the operation of a commercial cannabis facility (e.g. changing the operation from cultivation to manufacturing).

Structural alterations that require a permit from the local building department.

A site evaluation has determined that plans are required.

A facility has closed and remained closed for more than ninety (90) days.

PLAN SUBMITTAL STEPS AND INFORMATION

1. Complete the Cannabis Facility Plan Check Application form.

2. Provide a copy of the official approval letter from the City. 

3. Pay applicable fee(s).

Plan Check Fee: A plan check is required to determine if construction plans meet local and state codes. Services for this fee include the following:

Initial review to determine if plans are approved or not approved with corrections
• If needed, one review of a plan resubmittal
• Two (2) field inspections after construction/renovation is completed

NOTE: Additional fees may apply when more than two (2) plan reviews are necessary to approve the plans and when more than two (2) field inspections are necessary to approve the facility to operate.

Site Evaluation Fee: A site evaluation is required to determine if a pre-existing cannabis facility meets the current health and safety code requirements.  Site evaluations are required in all cities that contract with Los Angeles County for permitting and inspections of commercial cannabis facilities.

• If the facility passes the site evaluation and the local city has a service agreement with the County, an application for an annual PHP will be issued.
• If the facility does not pass the site evaluation, plans must be submitted for review and approval. Applicable only for facilities in cities under contract with the County of Los Angeles.

Health Permit Fee: Upon approval to operate, the permittee will be required to pay for the annual health permit.

4. To initiate a Plan Check review, submit one (1) set of detailed plans.

Please note that these plans will not be returned.

Plans shall be easily readable, drawn to scale, (e.g. ¼” = 1’) and shall include:

1. A site plan including proposed cannabis and non-cannabis waste storage receptacle locations.
2. Floor plan of entire cannabis facility, including but not limited to: cannabis storage and packaging areas, janitorial areas, toilet rooms, breakrooms, locker rooms, cannabis and non-cannabis waste areas, composting area (if applicable) and exterior and interior doors. 
3. Equipment schedule and equipment layout: listing type, quantity, dimensions, equipment make and model number, and if applicable, sanitation accreditation. 
4. Manufacturer specification sheets assembled in numerical order, labeled and numbered to match the equipment schedule. 
5. Plumbing plan including details of hot and cold water lines and waste and vent. 
6. Ventilation plan including make-up air and return air. 
7. Finish schedule for the floors, cove base, walls, and ceilings that indicate the type of material and the surface finish. Samples may be required. 
8. Reflective ceiling plan including lighting and soffits. 
9. Door and window schedule including details of frame, type of material, and surface finish.

5. For remodel: also submit scope of work, operational letter, and copy of current health permit.

PLAN REVIEW AND INSPECTIONS

Plans are reviewed on a first come, first served basis.

The owner or representative will be notified if plans are approved or not approved within twenty (20) working days after receipt of payment.

Plans that are incomplete or require corrections will be returned for revision.

NOTE: Do not begin construction/renovation until plans are approved.

If plans are Not Approved:

• Once corrected, plans may be resubmitted for review. 
• Corrected plans must be resubmitted for review within six (6) months. After 6 months, new plans will be required to be submitted along with payment for plan review.

If plans are Approved:

• Approved plans shall be stamped and be kept on file until the project has been completed. If requested, additional two (2) sets of plans may be stamped at the time of approval.
• An approved set of plans shall be maintained on-site until final inspection approval.
• Any changes to the approved plans require additional review and approval by the CCEP. Additional fee(s) may apply.
• Obtain all necessary licenses and/or permits from the local building and safety department, and any other applicable agencies prior to construction or remodel.
• Cannabis facilities not constructed and approved within twelve (12) months from the date of approval shall be required to submit new plans and pay plan review fees.
• When construction/remodeling is complete, contact the CCEP at least three (3) working days in advance to request an inspection. The construction or remodel of the cannabis facility must conform to the current set of approved plans.

PUBLIC HEALTH PERMIT (PHP) ISSUANCE:

A PHP will be issued only if the local city has a contract with the County.

The owner, operator, or representative will receive an application for an annual PHP when:

• The facility passes the site evaluation and/or final plan check inspection;
• The completed application with the required documents is submitted; and
• The applicable permit fee(s) are paid

GENERAL CONSTRUCTIONREQUIREMENTS

ROOM/AREA REQUIREMENTS 

All cannabis facilities shall meet the requirements as indicated below:

A. FLOOR, COVE BASE, WALL, AND CEILING

(Processing Room, Non-Prepackaged Storage Room, Janitorial Area, Dressing Room, Toilet Room, Indoor-Trash Area)

The floor, cove base, walls, and ceiling in all rooms in which cannabis products and their ingredients are prepared, stored or packaged, in a non-prepackaged storage room, where janitorial areas are located, in all toilet rooms and handwashing areas, warewashing areas, employee locker/dressing rooms, walk-in refrigerators and freezer units shall be smooth, durable, nonabsorbent, and easily cleanable.

All doors leading to a processing room or utensil wash area shall be self-closing, tight fitting, and shall not open directly to the outside or a toilet room.

Floor examples include, but are not limited to, sealed concrete, quarry tile, and epoxy.

Walls and ceiling examples include, but are not limited to, tile, metal, plaster, or semi-gloss paint and approved drop ceiling. 

A minimum of six (6) inch high, approved cove base, with a minimum three-eighths inch (3/8”) radius shall be provided at the juncture of the wall and floor including walk-in refrigerators or freezer units.

Vinyl Tiles (VCT) are not an acceptable flooring material, except in customer or prepackaged retail display areas.

B. VENTILATION 

(Processing Room, All Storage Room, Employee Locker Area, Dressing Room, Janitorial Area, Toilet Room, Indoor-Trash Area) Approved ventilation is required throughout the facility to facilitate proper air circulation free from excessive heat and condensation, and to provide reasonable comfort for all employees.

C. LIGHTING

(Processing Room, All Storage Room, Employee Locker Area, Dressing Room, Janitorial Area, Toilet Room, Indoor-Trash Area)

All rooms and areas in which cannabis products are stored, processed or packaged, and in rooms specified below shall have sufficient natural or artificial lighting.

The lighting shall be protected against breakage by using plastic shields, plastic sleeves with end caps, or shatterproof bulbs when located above an area where open cannabis is stored or packaged, where utensils are washed, and in walk-in refrigerators and freezer units. 

D. WATER SUPPLY 

(Processing Room, Janitorial Area, Toilet Room) An adequate, protected, pressurized, potable supply of hot water (minimum 120°F) and cold running water shall be provided from an approved source.

The potable water supply shall be protected with a backflow or back siphonage prevention device, as required by applicable local plumbing codes.

E. HAND WASH SINK 

(Processing Room, Toilet Room) At least one (1) hand wash sink shall be installed within the processing rooms and in the warewashing area (if not within the processing room).

Handwashing sinks shall be sufficient in number, conveniently located, unobstructed and accessible at all times.

All hand wash sinks shall be equipped with an adequate supply of warm (minimum of 100°F) and cold running water under pressure through a mixing valve or combination faucet. 

Hand wash sinks from a premixing faucet shall supply warm water between 100°F - 108°F.

All hand wash sinks shall be equipped with wall-mounted single use soap and paper towel dispensers (or air hand dryers).

F. MOP SINK OR BASIN 

(Janitorial Area) At least one (1) mop sink shall be installed in a room, or area, separate from the other equipment and storage and be equipped with storage for cleaning supplies, such as mops, buckets, brooms, and cleaners.

The mop sink or basin shall be a one (1) compartment, nonporous sink directly connected to the sewer, provided with hot (minimum 120° F) and cold running water through a mixing valve or combination faucet and protected with a backflow prevention device.

G. CANNABIS AND NON-CANNABIS WASTE 

(Trash Area) All waste generated from the facility must be properly stored in nonabsorbent, water-tight, durable, easily cleanable, galvanized metal or heavy plastic containers with tight-fitting lids.

If any waste is located within the facility, the waste area shall meet the requirements for walls, floors, ceiling, and vermin exclusion. 

If an outdoor storage area or enclosure is provided, the floors shall be constructed of nonabsorbent material that is easily cleanable and durable.

The cannabis waste storage bin/area must be secured to prevent public access.

H. DRESSING ROOM 

(IF APPLICABLE) Dressing rooms shall be provided and used by employees if the employees regularly change their clothes in the facility.

Dressing rooms shall be in a designated area where contamination of equipment, utensils, linens, and single-use articles cannot occur.

I. EMPLOYEE LOCKER AREA 

Lockers shall be provided in a designated area and shall be installed at least 6-inches above the floor on approved metal legs or on a concrete curb with an integral coved base.

J. JANITORIAL AREA 

A janitorial area shall be provided for the installation of the mop sink or basin and storage of cleaning supplies.

It shall be located in a designated area where contamination of equipment, utensils, linens, and single-use articles cannot occur.

K. STORAGE ROOM

Storage shall be adequate for cannabis goods and stored at least six inches (6”) off the floor.

Shelving shall be provided and be smooth, durable, and easily cleanable. Cannabis goods shall not be stored in hallways or restrooms.

L. TOILET ROOM 

The toilet room shall be provided with at least one toilet, handwashing sink with hot and cold potable running water, a wall-mounted single-use soap and paper towel dispensers (or air hand dryers), adequate lighting, proper ventilation, and a self-closing device on the door.

Toilet rooms shall be vented to outside air by means of an openable, screened window, an air shaft, or a light-switch activated exhaust fan consistent with the requirements of local building codes.

The number of toilets required shall be in accordance with local building and plumbing ordinances.

M. VERMIN EXCLUSION 

The facility shall be fully enclosed to prevent the entrance and harborage of animals, birds and vermin, including, but not limited to, rodents and insects.

Vermin proofing shall be implemented at all exterior openings exceeding one-fourth inch (1/4”).

All exterior wall pipes or other openings shall be tightly sealed. 

All exterior wall vents shall be properly screened with one-fourth inch (1/4”) hardware mesh screening.

All delivery doors shall be equipped with an automatic switch-activated air curtain, and all exterior doors shall be self-closing.

N. WATER HEATER 

Water heaters shall be adequate in size and rating; and capable of generating hot water at a minimum of 120°F on demand, at all times, to all sinks, equipment and fixtures that use hot water.

Water heaters and their installation shall follow all local building code requirements.

O. CONDUITS OR PIPELINES 

Conduits or pipelines shall not be installed across any aisle or door openings.

 Multiple runs or clusters of conduit or pipelines shall be encased in an approved runway, or other enclosure.

P. PLUMBING, GAS AND ELECTRIC 

All plumbing, plumbing fixtures, gas lines, and electrical conduits shall be installed in compliance with local building and safety codes.

Q. REFRIGERATORS OR FREEZERS 

Commercial grade refrigerators or freezers, whether a reach-in or walk-in, shall be located within the facility and shall open into an approved area.

All units shall be provided with an accurate thermometer and approved shelving that is nonabsorbent, non-corrodible, and easily cleanable. 

Condensate from all units shall drain indirectly to a floor sink that has an air gap and that is located outside the unit within the facility or as recommended by the manufacturer.

Walk-in units shall be flushed and sealed to the floor with an approved cove base. 

R. EQUIPMENT 

All equipment installed and used shall be of commercial grade.

Manufacturer’s specification documents for all proposed equipment shall be provided upon request.

All equipment and installation shall be subject to a field evaluation.

ADDITIONAL ROOM/AREA REQUIREMENTS

Cultivation, Distribution and Manufacturing facilities are required to provide the following:

A. PREPARATION SINK – Manufacturing Facilities 

(Processing Room – required when there is a need to wash fruits/herbs, etc.)

At least one (1) preparation sink shall be installed within the processing room.

The preparation sink shall be at least 1 compartment with 1 integral drain board sloped toward the sink and drain indirectly into a floor sink with an air gap, supplied with hot, minimum 120° F, and cold running water through a mixing valve or combination faucet, and be free standing.

B. WAREWASHING SINK - Cultivation and Manufacturing Facilities 

(Processing Room) At least one (1) warewashing sink shall be installed in a room, area, or within the processing room.

The warewashing sink is required to have a three-compartment metal sink with two integral metal drain boards sloped toward the sinks and a metal backsplash extending up the wall above the rim and sealed to the wall.

The warewashing sink compartments shall be large enough (e.g., minimum 16”X20” or 18”X18” by 12” deep) to accommodate immersion of the largest utensil or piece of equipment.

The warewashing sink shall be supplied with hot (minimum 120°F) and cold running water through a mixing valve or combination faucet, and be free standing, and drain directly into the sewer. 

C. FLOOR DRAINS 

(Processing Room) Floor drains shall be installed in processing rooms where:

• Equipment is cleaned-in-place,
• Utensils are washed,
• Floors are water-flushed for cleaning and,
• Pressure spray methods for cleaning equipment are used.

A trench drain is recommended for the cleaning of fixed equipment. Floor surfaces in these areas shall be sloped 1/8” per foot (1:100) to the floor drains. 

D. GREASE TRAPS AND INTERCEPTORS - Manufacturing Facilities 

Grease traps and interceptors, when required, shall be easily accessible for servicing and not located in a processing room or warewashing area.

Generally, grease traps should be installed flush with the floor to prevent sanitation problems.

Check with the local Building and Safety officials for the requirements. 

E. MECHANICAL EXHAUST VENTILATION – Manufacturing Facilities 

(Processing Room) Mechanical Exhaust Ventilation shall be provided over all cannabis extraction equipment, all cooking equipment and heat generating equipment.

Hoods shall extend at least six inches (6”) horizontally beyond the equipment.

 Mechanical exhaust vents shall effectively remove gases, vapors, fumes, smoke, steam, heat, and odors from the facility. 

The exhaust and make-up air systems shall be connected by an electrical interlocking hardwired connector so that one system cannot be operated when the other system is off.

Specify the number and locations of make-up air diffusers.

All equipment, construction, and installation shall be in accordance with all applicable building and mechanical codes. 

F. Operational Plans on company letterhead signed by the owner: 

• Cultivation Facilities: Odor Management Plan and Waste Management Plan
• Manufacturing Facilities: Odor Management Plan; Waste Management Plan; Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs); and Recall Protocol

G. Mechanical Plan 

Hood type, exhaust and make-up air with an electrical interlocking switch, elevations, and hood details

H. Product List 

A complete list of products that will be manufactured, packaged, or labeled at the facility